What to Look for When Buying Within a Development

There is so much to think about when buying into a new development, especially when it's an off-plan product. Do you know the location, the development and the residential amenities that are on offer? When taking the leap it’s important to do your research and know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

The first thing, which ultimately is one of the most crucial aspects of buying any house, is to make sure you know the area. If it’s somewhere that is new to you, it’s important to become familiar with your surroundings: which stations are nearby? What’s the neighbourhood like? Where are the shops and restaurants? Are you close to any green space? It’s important to ask yourself these questions and be honest about whether it or not it’s somewhere you could see yourself living, or somewhere that will allow a future onward sale. Once you know what’s going on in and around a development, you can also determine whether it has potential for growth.

Next on the checklist is to become better acquainted with the building itself. In the current market there is a big emphasis on wellness which most developers are catching onto. Gyms and wellness rooms, places where residents can practice yoga or do a personal training session, are almost included in modern developments. It is increasingly common for new schemes to reflect luxury hotels, so swimming pools, treatment rooms and saunas are more sought after now than they ever have been.

When living in the middle of a busy city, outdoor space and greenery is something of a luxury, so try to look for a development with access to open space, whether that be a private terrace or landscaped, communal roof gardens. It's an added bonus if you can find somewhere with exceptional views across the capital. I think having a connection with the city in which you live is so important and being able to admire the skyline from your home is the best way to do it.

The importance of a quality specification is something that buyers meticulously look out for, which is why it is something that I take pride in when it comes to my developments – attention to detail goes a long way because it shows that the developer has really considered the wants and needs of the buyer which is a great way to gain their trust and makes them more likely to return when future projects go on the market.

Ultimately, you have to find a space that feels like yours. Think about your lifestyle, how it is now and how it might change in the next five to 10 years. Think about how the development can deliver on your needs and fit with your routine.